Coffee improves the function of small blood vessels in healthy people, according to a new study.
Japanese scientists recruit 27 participants, all of whom are about 20 years old and none of them drink coffee regularly . They agree to consume two cups of coffee a day, each of which contains 30 ml of the invigorating drink.
The researchers conducted their study as follows: one day they gave the participants caffeinated coffee , and the next - decaffeinated . Participants do not know when their drinks contain caffeine. Scientists who measure the blood pressure and blood flow of volunteers after drinking the drink are also not informed.
It turns out that blood flow is 30% faster on days when participants consume caffeinated coffee. This is very important as it is an indicator of the way the small blood vessels work.
It is also found that blood pressure rises significantly in the "caffeine" days. However, according to the researchers, the heart of the participants did not start beating faster.
The levels of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and norepinephrine in the blood plasma of volunteers were also measured. The analysis shows that their levels are relatively the same after consuming both types of coffee .
Experts from Ryukyu University in Okinawa, Japan, explain that the results could give a new insight into the ways in which coffee consumption could help heart health, even lead to a new strategy for treating cardiovascular disease .
The study data was presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association.